Bollinger, Watson And Ponting Engineer Adelaide Win

Australia eased to a 2-0 series lead over the West Indies with a thumping eight-wicket win in Adelaide that looked inevitable after the tourists were reduced to 16 for four batting first.

Left-arm fast bowler Doug Bollinger picked up four for 28 to do much of the damage and although the West Indies recovered to be bowled out for 170, half-centuries from Shane Watson and Ricky Ponting enabled Australia to cruise home in the 27th over of their reply with some 140 balls to spare.

Winning the toss and choosing to bat, the West Indies were soon in trouble after Bollinger had openers Chris Gayle (0) and Runako Morton (4) trapped in front and Lendl Simmons caught behind for one while Clint McKay had Travis Dowlin dismissed in similar manner for two to put Australia on top.

Dwayne Smith (43), Kieron Pollard (32) and Denesh Ramdin (30) all got starts but were unable to go on, Bollinger returning to dismiss the dangerous Pollard, McKay picking up Smith and Mitchell Johnson, Watson and Nathan Hauritz grabbing a wicket apiece before the innings was ended in the 40th over.

Watson then blasted seven fours and two sixes on the way to his 13th ODI half-century, putting on 51 in nine overs with Shaun Marsh (27). When they fell, to Smith and Kemar Roach respectively, flawless batting from Ponting and Michael Clarke hurried Australia to victory.

Ponting was in sublime touch, racing to his half-century with eight fours and two sixes to finish unbeaten on 57 alongside Clarke on 27.

Australia won the opening match in Melbourne by 113 runs and the third of five matches is in Sydney on 12th February.